Music Television 1.5

Petula Clark - Live in Berlin
An hour or so in concert from earlier this year, shown to coincide with her having a new album out. She made sure to play her obvious hits, and I was surprised and delighted to find she has a cover version of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" in there too.

Live With... Skye & Ross
Two of the members of dreary 90s trip-hoppers Morcheeba are back with a new self-titled album. They didn't noticeably slip in any of Morcheeba's big numbers either.

Oh Me, Oh My: Songs For Joe
The tale of Irish pop singer Joe Dolan, whose career improved enormously when he was able to call on the songwriting of the great Albert Hammond, who wrote Make Me An Island, Teresa and Good Looking Woman for Joe, which led to big success. In later years, his hits dried up, but he never tried contacting Hammond again. Learning of this, Hammond said he would have been only too happy to write more for him, had he asked. Ah well.

Imagine: The Seven Killings of Marlon James
Jamaican author won the Booker Prize last year for his latest book which takes inspiration from the incident where Bob Marley was shot amid the furore over his peace concert in 1976 becoming hijacked by politics. Marlon's an interesting enough guy, but people say that about Bob Marley.

Classic Albums: Apostrophe / Over-Nite Sensation
A double dose of Frank Zappa, with family and colleagues singing his praises, trying to reclaim kudos for him that has gone to others (eg over animated videos years before Sledgehammer). I was charmed by the story of him conducting orchestral musicians and explaining that he could do it because he got a book from a library.

Airbourne: On Record
Aussie rockers with a new LP out. Nice chaps, they were inspired by the 80s Bad News spoof, only they didn't realise it was a spoof at first. Hard not to warm to chaps like that. They were very much inspired by British HM/rock acts, and saw Donington as their goal - which they achieved via the Download festival. They were able to get Lemmy in one of their early videos (Running Wild), and the last track on their new album reflected the seismic loss in the business now that Motorhead will no longer be part and parcel of festivals and things. They were touring in November.

Relentless Ultra presents SoundChain with Zane Lowe: Nas
From the Blue Note Jazz Café in New York, this 2014 edition related to the 20th anniversary of his magnum opus, Illmatic. He had a musical father who helped widen his palette when growning up. He found rap an inspiring form of communication. Zane described his big album as the last gasp of the old-style rap business, before bling took over. He was affected by the deaths of Tupac and Biggie. His message was to Live Your Dreams and Have No Regrets.

The Korda Marshall Story
Another CherryRed effort, with a guy who got a lowly job at RCA, but worked his way up as an A&R, working with many bands, getting promoted to work with other labels, making deals to keep businesses working after getting unceremoniously sacked by RCA, starting over and finding more new successes. Apparently, he's the guy responsible for putting streaming into the so-called Official Charts, too. Which was a bad twist to end the discussion on.

The Great Songwriters: Chuck D
Promising new series with artists discussing their career paths, which in Chuck's case means why he started rapping, the importance of Public Enemy to a national inter-racial dialogue, and how he feels about social media and the modern world.

Nik Kershaw - Live at the Water Rats
Welcome gig for the 80s legend, running through all his hits, and finishing on "The One and Only", which he wrote and Chesney Hawkes took to #1 in 1991. A welcome finale, I don't believe I've heard him sing it before (or if I have, not for a long time).

Bill Nelson - 40 Years of Recordings
I nearly skipped on this, but Bill was a charming raconteur, so I'm glad I listened. He started back in 1971 with a home-produced album, which John Peel liked, and then he formed Be Bop Deluxe. There were line-up issues, different producers, American tours, and finally they ran into the sand. So he formed Red Noise instead. There were label problems, so he set up his own. He spent time producing other acts, such as A Flock of Seagulls. Spent time in Japan, and got married in 1993. These days, with the freedom to record, he's become very prolific. And an interesting guy he sounds (or sounded in 2011).

The Pete Banks Story
He started out in The Sin back in 1965. He met Chris Squire. When the Sin disbanded, he moved into Mabel Grier's Toyshop. They were psychedelic but disorganised. Had residencies at the Marquee. Then he joined Yes for a brief time, before he was let go for being difficult. So he joined Blodwyn Pig for a while, then formed Flash. They withered on the vine, and he suffered a breakdown. He formed Empire, had a rough time, but secured a new deal. After a few LPs with Empire over 8 years, without much success, he found he was happier doing session work. He was creating a new project called SelfContained, and another called Harmony In Diversity.

Bird On A Wire
A film of Leonard Cohen's European tour in Spring 1972. He spoke of his publishing as a young man, how the band suffered increasing technical problems (and dissatisfied customers). Tony Palmer was the director (clearly the go-to guy in the 1970s).

Young, Gifted & Classical - The Making of a Maestro
The story of Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cellist winner of Young Musician of the Year, and one of 7 prodigious children, from violinists to pianists. His family life, his parents' financial struggles, his lessons in London, and his membership of all-black ensemble, the Chineke! Orchestra, were all part of the story. He may well have a bright future.

Todd Rundgren - State
A good long chat from 2013 around the time of the release of his "State" LP, but more about his solo career for once, rather than as an adjunct to someone else's story through being a producer, or whatever. He's brilliantly idiosyncratic, and content to simply state the facts - acts make money through playing live, not through releasing records. I think this was because ticket prices are higher than album prices, pretty much, and the act will take a better cut. "Music is a service, not a thing". He was caustic about how record companies actively resist change, even if it will make them more money in the long run.

Live With... Natty & the Rebel Ship
A nice little half-hour of songs. Not much more to say, really.

The Story of Big Country
In 2 halves, the first spoke to band members Bruce Watson and Mark Brzezicki about how BC were formed around 1981, their highs and lows, up to the tragic suicide of frontman Stuart Adamson in 2001. The second half brought on Mike Peters and others who help fill out the current BC line-up. Peters, also the Alarm's front-guy, started filling in before Adamson's death, and after first helping out with some concerts, the line-up felt to be in the classic spirit of the band, and worked out an all-new album, "The Journey", which came out in 2012. So, a happy ending.

Yehudi Menuhin at the BBC
Assorted performances and some chat to his biographer Humphrey Burton, notable from his work with Stephane Grappelli, and a 1972 appearance on children's show Blue Peter. He last performed with Grappelli on the latter's 80th birthday concert in 1988. Both are still fondly remembered.

Alter Bridge: On Record
Myles Kennedy spoke to Matt Stocks about the new AB album, "The Last Hero", and his other project with Slash. He conceded that the record had a bit more of a social conscience, which was unavoidable. He was happy to keep using the same producer. There were some reflective tracks, tying into the overall theme of heroism. He rated UK audiences well, and was glad to use some support slots to give chances to upcoming bands. He wasn't too concerned at not headlining festivals.

Soundtrack 7
fka Twigs is an interesting talent, this was a showcase in 7 scenes with her music set to dances (she was one of the dancers too).

The Great Songwriters: Bill Withers
A somewhat dry show, as Bill seemed none too interested in answering questions about his songs, and let his daughter Kori handle the singing (which to be fair she was fine at). I didn't know (or had long forgotten) that "No Diggity" samples "Grandma's Hands", about which Bill is generous. Many kids tell him that "Lean On Me" is the first thing they learn on the piano.

We pay tribute to people who make an impression on us.

He stopped his career to care for his family, and wasn't driven by ambition anyhow. Ah, but what songs!

Live With... Suzanne Vega
A decent half-hour plugging her latest album, which seems to be a concept record of sorts. She also played classic Marlene on the Wall, and a song I'd not previously heard called "I Never Wear White", which inevitably put me in mind of "The Man in Black".

The Red Box Story
Simon Tolson-Clarke told his engaging story, how the band met at a London polytechnic in 1979, gigged around London, mixed in different sounds. They took their name from a flight case left behind by Slade. Snapped up by Sire Records, they had a big hit with "Lean On Me", only pipped to UK #1 by Jennifer Rush. Record company gave them hassles. Told they should write a proper hit 'for America', they retaliated with next single "For America" which was another big hit (though not in America). They had a break and came back in 1990. But their single was recalled almost instantly after release, for no apparent reason (beyond record company sabotage). They split and pursued different goals, before a 3rd album finally came out a few years ago. An interesting insight into a less-remembered band.

The Monochrome Set Story
Bid was the main-man here. The band came together in 1978, had a few early singles and different record labels. 2 LPs didn't take off, and their record company folded. Having known Adam Ant before he took off, they were bemused (but pleased) at the chasm between his success and their failure. They were persuaded to sign to an offshoot of Warner Bros, but this turned out to be a mistake. There were co-ordination errors between getting radio airplay and released product into shops. A disastrous final American tour led to a split. After a few years apart, they reformed to capitalise on a hungry Japanese fanbase. But even that ran into the sand after a few years. Bid formed a new act - Scarlet's Well, and produced some other acts, such as the Karelia (who became Franz Ferdinand). Another interesting reflection on the difficulty in making it big.

Carl Cox - Space is the Place
How a top London DJ spent the last days at work at a top Ibiza club, Space, which was closing its doors after 27 years (Cox having worked there for 15). It also served as biography for Cox, who's a likeable guy, and was already carving a DJ career at school, and now uses some of his earnings to support motorsport.

The Claudia Brucken Story
Started in bands as a teenager, in a busy German scene. Was invited to join Propaganda, whose demo came to the attention of ZTT. Dr Mabuse was their first hit. Trevor Horn was the big-shot producer, whilst journo Paul Morley liked Claudia so much he married her. Horn got too busy ruining Frankie Goes To Hollywood, but they did manage another hit with Duel, and a good first LP. But their recording contract was punitive, and the band split. Claudia stuck with Paul. She next formed Act, then released some solo material. Took a hiatus to raise kids. Worked with Paul Humphries of OMD as part of OneTwo, and they subsequently got together personally too. They released albums on eBay, in an early attempt at home industry. She even got to write songs with Depeche Mode's Martin Gore. Still releasing her own material. Propaganda tried to reform twice and it didn't happen.

Alan McGee - The Assassin Complex
A hugely entertaining chat with Iain McNay, as Alan talks about bands he signed who had the requisite drive to succeed (such as Oasis) and those who backed away from the big time, or who otherwise didn't come up to scratch (such as Felt, who McGee did 5 albums with, and McNay also did 5 albums with). He sums up his theory as "whatever it takes, we're gonna win". Some acts blow the showcases they do to impress labels who might sign them. The modern music biz is so tough, and even in McGee's prime, it still took Creation Records 11 years to become truly solvent, and even that was not just down to Oasis, but Sony too. Patience is a vital quality. Also the determination to overcome any skills gap.

Alexander Armstrong: Fine Tuned
Comedian, quiz show presenter and now singer of albums for the Christmas market. His new one covers Fields of Gold, Scarborough Fair and Firestone, to show what a wide field he is ploughing.

Storyville: Sonita aka Bride For Sale
How an Afghani student living in Tehran wants to make a career as a rap star, when her family want to sell her into marriage. Things reach drama about 2/3 of the way in when the documentary crew put up the money to buy Sonita more time to stay in Iran. They shoot a video, which catches the attention of some Americans, who offer her a place at an American university. But! She has to get her birth certificate from Afghanistan, and a passport in Kabul, and if she doesn't, she won't be allowed back to Iran anyway. Thankfully for the film, she makes it.

The Old Grey Whistle Test - Reggae Concert at the Edinburgh Festival, 1973
Judge Dread (those were the days) MCs a showcase of the likes of Winston Groovy, Dennis Alcapone, The Marvels, Nicky Thomas and The Pioneers. A pleasant change from usual viewing. Nicky did "Love of the Common People" later a bigger hit for Paul Young.

The Great Songwriters - Carly Simon
One of three sisters, but with the lowest voice. Her father was a friend of Gershwin. Used singing to surpass a stutter. Compares herself to Brian Wilson, in terms of following the song; words precede music. Summarises her faults as "the Beast". Feels lyrics should be grounded in truth. Sometimes has writer's block, but always has a ready instinct for ideas. Never intended to be a performer. "You're So Vain" took a really long time. "Anticipation" was inspired by a meeting with Cat Stevens.

Gary Numan - Android in La La Land
Amusing effort filmed around 2012-3, as Gary ups sticks from his UK home to live in the USA with his wife and 3 daughters. His battles with depression and that are considered; he places great value on meeting Gemma, who was a fan and luckily completes him in many ways. He records "Splinter" quite quickly, and bar a small mishap with a hard drive, gets it mixed and released to great acclaim and even a high chart position. Then he went on a long world tour.

The Alan McGee Story
Lengthy 3-part chat with the impresario, from his rough upbringing, through friendship with Bobby Gillespie, brief attempts at being in a band, and ultimately to mixed trumphs with his label, Creation Records. Worked at various times with the Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream, the House of Love, and most crucially Oasis. Financial issues always prevailed, but by selling parts of the business to Sony, he became a millionaire. After misadventures with drugs and alcohol, he went sober and saw business differently. Met all sorts of people from Quentin Crisp to Malcolm McLaren. He quit Creation, but later formed another label, Poptones, and was working on 359 Records at the time of this interview. Must catch up with his book sometime.

An Evening With... Dolores Keane
Never heard of her, but thankfully this wasn't long. She was a founder member of Irish harmony group De Dannan, but was now a recovering alcoholic, and had survived breast cancer. Thought it best to use humour against adversity, and was told she inspired others.

The Van Der Graaff Generator Story
Peter Hammill obligingly promoted a new VDGG album with this chat. The band reformed as a trio around 2004/5. They find making an album easier with less members, managed a quick turnaround like the old days. Hugh Padgham came in to give an impartial mix to proceedings. They shake up setlists regularly because they can and feel they should. They had solo projects over the years, and suffered personal problems, but they persist.

Reggae at the BBC
This lengthy compilation from 2011 runs the gamut from the familiar to the esoteric, so UB40 rub shoulders with Susan Cadogan, and Maxi Priest with Burning Spear. It's an enduring music that will continue to find a wide audience.

Fern Britton Meets... Alexander Armstrong
Actor and quiz show host with his 2nd album, reflecting on his life with religious undertones.

Classic Cellists at the BBC, with Julian Lloyd Webber
A pleasant hour in the visual company of JLW, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Pablo Casals, Mstislav Rostropovich and others.

BRITS Icon: Robbie Williams
The 3rd recipient of this award (after Elton and Bowie) did a gig at the Troxy, London, to celebrate, plugging his new album, and fitting in a brief TT reunion with Gary, Mark and Howard in the middle.

Britten's Endgame
Two hours covering the declining years of the great composer, his last major work (a version of Death In Venice), and his failing health (this 2013 show was repeated for the 40th anniversary of his death).

Ball and Boe: One Night Only
In fact, they've done an album together, called "Together", which is #1 in the UK right now. They sang songs, bantered with each other, and had Rick Astley and Maria Friedman on as guests. Their finale was a medley from Les Miserables. Nice guys.

The Levellers - Live at the Water Rats
A fairly under-rated band, still slogging away clearly. I was glad they did some of the songs of theirs I actually knew, opening with One Way and closing with What A Beautiful Day, for instance. A good little show.

Seymour: An Introduction
A film from Ethan Hawke about Seymour Bernstein, an ace pianist who packed up playing professionally at the age of 50, to become a tutor. He thrived on solitude, and had rented a one-room apartment for 57 years. He was taught by Clifford Curzon. He was bewildered that Curzon had not been awarded a Knighthood, so wrote to recommend him for one. Lo, Curzon got his KBE. "The struggle is what makes the artform". Feels that answers come from within, not without. His students spoke highly of him.

Fern Britton Meets... Rebecca Ferguson
Just got her new album out, having turned 30 back in July. She took singing lessons from 11, but had more natural talent. Had to postpone her dreams of a singing career when she got pregnant at 17. Her big break looked set to be an American show called P Diddy's Starmaker, but she soon dropped off that because she wasn't a dancer. Soon after, she got to audition for The X Factor, and finished up 2nd in 2010 behind Matt Cardle, and ahead of One Direction. She was bamboozled by a fast friend who took over her money management and swizzled her money. Now lives in Paris with her kids.

Robbie Williams at Heart Live
One of many shows for him to plug his latest album, this short showcase has been used for Emeli Sande and Take That! before. He did a couple of new ones, a couple of oldies, talked about the new album, and did a duet with Emma Bunton on a cover of her old Spice Girls hit 2 Become 1, oddly.

The Luke Haines Story
A critically-loved but commercially unsuccessful star from the 90s, whose band The Auteurs never reached the top 40 despite much radio support. He later formed Black Box Recorder instead and did mildly better, then Baader Meinhof, and less so. Now he just makes solo albums, and suits himself. He was 45 when this was done in 2013, and loves concept albums. Keen to keep working.

Gojira - Live at Bloodstock Open Air
A French metal band in 2016 with over an hour of material, which was melodic enough to be listenable.

West Side Stories - The Making of a Classic
On the 60th anniversary of the stage & screen classic, how West Side Story overcame the odds to get made and become a monster success, thanks to Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, a good cast and so on. They took 17 curtain calls on opening night. The 1960 film won 10 Oscars. Whether the message about gangs and tolerance made any lasting impact is another matter.

David Walliams celebrates Dame Shirley Bassey
The Welsh birthday girl gets a partial interview, some witless sketches, and the chance to sing a few songs like S'Wonderful and closing with I Am What I Am. She talked about Glastonbury, a diamond-studded dress, how singing was a cure for shyness. She claimed not to have understood the lyrics to her banned 50s classic Burn My Candle.

The Paul Conroy Story
Put on gigs at a local college, and was able to do that at better venues. He got to see and associate with bands from the then-New Yardbirds to Kursaal Flyers. Then he worked with Jake Riviera at Stiff Records, before becoming marketing manager at Warners, where he helped ZZ Top on their way. Then he went to Chrysalis, before finally joining Virgin just before an amalgamation involving loss of staff. 10 years later, it was him going out the door. Helped sign the Spice Girls, though there was no confidence in Wannabe. He spoke well of acts with great drive to succeed, like Meat Loaf and Howard Jones. He had a short-lived label of his own, Adventure, licenced Gary Jules' cover of Mad World that sold a million and became the 2003 UK Christmas #1. Still works with Universal (or did when this was shot).

Robbie Williams Rocks Big Ben - Live
After Bryan Adams last year, this time it's the ex-Take That! star having his own fun at BBC strictures on swearing, running through hits old and new, before and after the Big Ben chimes. He did at least think to mention George Michael when he did Freedom '96. He brought his Dad on to help on one song, and finally finished on My Way.

New Year's Day Concert from Vienna 2017
As ever, the Vienna Philharmonic, here conducted by Gustavo Dudamel ran through a mixture of favourites. They were celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Vienna Phil, and also the 150th anniversary of the Blue Danube tune, about which I expect to hear more through the year.

When Celebrities Go Pop
An amusing top 40 rundown of the not-so-great and the not-so-good and their attempts at pop stardom. Some were surprising, some were a bit desperate (Corey Feldman), but most were deserving of their drubbing. David Hasslehoff was voted #1, William Shatner only #10. Christopher Lee at #14 for that heavy metal concept album, though he did plenty enough "proper" albums. Steven Seagal, Hulk Hogan, Mr T and others were pretty poor (Eddie Murphy was oddly slated for a track featuring Michael Jackson, I'm sure he did something else that was quite good. Oh well).

Nathan Carter - The Wagon Wheel Show: Live
Filmed in Letterkenny, this 2-part show features a Liverpool ex-patriate running through a mixture of material, some country and pop, to an appreciative crowd. As well as old standards like Drift Away, he manages more recent stuff like Ho Hey. The latter part features a few extended melodies of old-time tockers and then Irish faves, too. Solid enough.

Birth of an Opera: Danielle de Niese on The Barber of Seville
The charming soprano takes us behind the scenes as she prepares for a lead role as Rosina in Glyndebourne's production of Rossini's gem, in its 200th year. de Niese tackles the costumes, set designs, make-up, vocal training, narrative themes, the comedy and so on. Didn't make me want to sit through a production, but a well-told narrative anyway.

Crowded House - Live at Sydney Opera House
A mammoth reunion gig (or the last of 4) to mark 20 years since they split up. Their drummer has sadly died since then, but the rest were in fine form, and joined for some sections by Neil's brother Tim. They had a large, appreciative crowd to work with, and saved some beauties for their encore. They suggested it wouldn't be their last work, either, so we'll have to see.

You Me At Six: On Record
Their new album "Night People" is out this week, and Josh and Max talked through its Making, as well as what inspired some of their decision making. They hope to headline festivals soon, and are also campaigning against secondary ticketing websites. The songs sounded fine enough.

Jazzie B's 1980s - From Dole to Soul
The latest in this series looks at the changes in a divisive decade, as Hornsey Rise's most notable DJ developed his sound and his act, to hit the top of the charts with Soul II Soul. From Jah-Rico onwards, whether going to gigs on the bus, building a patch at Camden market, attending warehouse parties, or benefitting from the technological revolution, and designing a strong brand identity, and retail environment, Jazzie B was a busy B.

Top of the Pops - The Story of 1983
As ever, somewhat skewed, but the rise of videos clearly took a toll, as did a new company compiling the charts, new presenters, and most of all new acts. That some of the bands featured, such as Culture Club, were represented not by band members, but by pluggers, shows either the decline of this format, or the cheapness of booking. Gary Kemp clearly wanted to be there, but no-one from Duran Duran was, nor the Human League. Not even Paul Young. So as long as you grasp you're being shown a version of the truth, it's fine.

Crown Imperial - The Queen's 90th Birthday Concert
A forgettable hour of tunes by Walton, Handel and Elgar, with 2 presenters to narrate the story, and 2 theatricals to read speeches by people in her life. The music was good.

Top of the Pops - Big Hits 1983
Usual hour accompaniment to the main doc, notable for what that left out. So we see Freeez, KC and the Sunshine Band, Malcolm McLaren (not him in person, of course, just Double Dutch), Mike Oldfield and Bonnie Tyler. A fine crop.

Promises and Lies - The Story of UB40
How a folk singer called Ian Campbell had 4 sons, 2 of whom formed UB40, an 8-piece from Balsall Heath who had big success promoting reggae, until they realised they weren't making the money they should. One thing led to another, with three of the band leaving. The others continue as UB40, and the leavers tour as "Formerly of UB40". They never seemed to work out where the money went (although their 3 UK #1 singles were all covers, and there were 8 people in the band, so that's 2 clues, I would have thought).